stringed instrument repair question

[rustythread]

I recently had a minor basement flood, including water soaking from the carpet into the cases of a number of stringed instruments. A couple of these are pretty cheap guitars, and possibly not worth repair. However, there is visible finish damage and likely warping to my 1966 Martin D12-20, and a lot of damage to a 19-fret Slingerland Maybell tenor banjo. I need to get bids for repair and refinishing and get repairs done before my claim time limit runs out with the insurer. Also will need a bunch of new cases.

I am about 90 miles from St Louis, Mo. Can anyone recommend--preferably from personal experience- -a really good repair place in / around St Louis?

Thanks

 

[Rustyt1953]

I know of several in the area but I would call Martin direct and ask them who they recommend. They won't steer you wrong.

Chances are that anyone who does your guitar can do your banjo or knows who can.

Good luck.

 

[16thVACav]

The Martin web site shows eight service centers within 20 miles of St. Louis, but I'm inclined to agree with Rusty1953 since you've got a nice old classic and I'm sure you want to preserve the original characteristics and value.

Martin Guitar Dealers | Find One Near You | C.F. Martin & Co.

 

[rustythread]

Thanks, guys. I started with the Martin listing of "authorized" warranty / repair places, and that will probably be my default if I don't get further info. However, I'm hoping to get some info from folks who have first--or at least, second--hand experience as well so I can have aa shot at getting the best of the bunch (which might not even be a "Martin-authorized" place).

 

[brick]

How far downstate Illinois are you? If you are near Cape Girardeau, Missouri, there is Shivelbines Music Store. Their telephone number is 573-334-5216. Give them a call.

 

[rustythread]

How far downstate Illinois are you?

I'm just off I-64 at I-57, about halfway between StL and Evansville, IN; ~ 100 miles north of Paducah, KY. Essentially, I'm about 100 miles from anything. But, I get into STL frequently in the course of providing various doctors with financial security.

 

[brick]

You will probably find someone in St. Louis easier from where you are. But if all else fails, try Shivelbines.

 

[alde]

A good luthier can do wonders including removing the top to do internal repairs and re-installing the original top or replacing it with a new one. I would recommend someone who builds rather than a tech who just does repairs. That Martin is quite valuable as I'm sure you know.